Adolescent Use of Selected Areas in the Parental Dwelling

Using a self‐reporting inventory, 614 adolescents in two age categories, 12–14 years and 16–18 years, responded concerning their use of the living room, a second living area if the home included one, and the bedroom. The objective was to determine the effects on space use of six independent variables: age, sex, family size, birth order, the presence of single or plural living areas in the home, and whether bedroom space was shared or used solely by the adolescent. Living room use was defined as having two components, activities performed and frequency. Significant differences on both components were found when comparisons were made between those with one living room and those with plural living areas, and when family size exceeded five mem bers. Frequency of living room use increased significantly when the respondents shared a bedroom. If the home had a single living area, girls performed a significantly greater number of activities in the space than boys, and younger adolescents spent a significantly greater amount of time in the area than older adolescents. No significant differences were found in the use of the second living area. Whether the respondent had sole use of the bedroom or shared the space, girls were found to perform a significantly greater number of activities in the room than boys. Analysis of the findings suggests an interrelationship between living room and bedroom use by adolescents that may need to be addressed as families assess housing needs and wants.